1979 Morris Marina L 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Faults:

General Comments:

A great low cost 'semi-classic' car. I purchased this car a while ago for just £450, with tax and test, and quite some history.

It had undergone 12 years of rust-proof servicing, so is in excellent condition bodywork-wise.

The engine, is smooth and reliable, always starts first time - hard to believe it's done over 170,000 miles.

The car desperately needs a 5-speed gearbox, as the engine, while willing, is very high revving, especially when cruising at 50-60 MPH.

Although 1970's BL cars have a reputation for shoddy workmanship, I've found no problems of this nature. All of the electrics, except the fuel gauge, work perfectly, which is a testament to the build quality of the car.

A very enjoyable car to drive, and comfortable for the driver and passengers. The downside, is that the handling isn't the best at speed, and the clutch can be quite vicious. Expect to stall the car at least twice when you first drive it!

Brakes are good, but being used to driving a more modern car, require a lot of pressure to stop the car quickly.

Overall, a bread-and-butter family motor, that's a classic in the making.

25th Dec 2004, 04:27

HI, both the comments you made on the marinas shortcomings (faulty fuel gauge and clutch judder) are pretty much a trait of the marina. the sender unit in the tank fails, and the rear crank oil seal leaks oil onto the clutch plate causing the judder. I have owned 4 of them 3 1300s and a 1800 and all the 1.3s had these faults. I found them to be a wonderfully reliable car and a more interesting alternative to the escort. also if you can pick up one of the rarer Ital 2.0 Hls versions they are quite fast in a scary sort of way.